Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-13
THE SUGAR BEET.

The subject of sugar production has
created more earnest and universal at
tention of late, not only in Kansas, but
throughout the west and south than any
pertaining to agriculture has for long
time. And in view of the deep interest
in the matter in this section, and the I'M
deniable adaptability of our soil and
climate to the growth of sugar producing
products, as demonstrated in the prolific
crop of sorghum cane, it may be well to
embrace the sugar beet in our calcula-
lions for the future, since it may and
doubtless will become an important
factor in this coming industry. The fol-
lowing article from the San Francisco
Merchant will be of interest as it throws
some light on the subject:
The Merchant, in recent issue re-
ferring to the enormous profit which
yearly accrues TO the governments of
France and Germany from the manufac-
ture of beet sugar, suggested the devel-
opment of the industry in California. 1t
seems now that at that very time the
subject had attracted the attention and
was under serious consideration by the
leading sugar manufacturer on the coast,
Mr.. Claus Spreckles.
Not content with the information that
might be picked up by correspondence,
Mr.. Spreckles went to Europe and spent
considerable length of time In inveSti-
eating the growth Of the raw material
and the process of manufacture. The
results of his researcher were so salts
factory that he determined to in
troduce this great and most
profitable industry into California. Mr..
Spreckels found the beet sugar farmers
about Madgeburg. Germany, capitalists
and bankers. They have raised the value
of their lands to 81 900 per acre, and
some Of it in fact sells as high as 81 800
per acre The owner of twenty acres of
land is rich The grower is also a manu-
facturer, the farmers being banded to-
gether and all owning shares III manu-
featuring plant. During the last seven
teen years they have raised the saccharlns
matter from 2 1-2 per cent to IA per
cent, making thereby so per cent profit
by the use of certain process. Dir.
Spreckels proposes to try the experiment
$500. 600 on the first plant. He bought
while abroad a quantity OF special ma
chinery which has never before been In
troduced into this country and to the use
of which is due the high and profit
able rate of production in Germany.
Seed is now on the way from Madgeburg
and also from France, so that the en-
terprise will be started, as far as ma
terial and machinery is concerned, on a
basis similar to the experimental tests iii
Germany. 1t only then remains to be
seen what the soil and climate of Cali
fornia viii add to the value of the pro-
duction The result of this experiment,
backed as it is by unlimited capital and
the best practical skill in America, will
be awaited with much interest by the
agriculturalists of California. Its success
will be the means of opening up another
avenue of wealth with unlimited posi-
bilites in future. DIR. Spreckels. in his
statement about the prosperous
condition Of the best grower IN
Germany. does not exagerate IN
the least. The growth Of the industry
in that country, foStered under the Jeal-
Gus and watchful care of the govern
ment, has developed into proportions
which have threatened the very existence
of cane sugar. The manufacturers OF
France surrounded as they are by the
most careful restrictions. cannot compete
with the German producer in the matter
of cheapness, and this Is really the
chief incentive TO the strong opposition
which they have made to the meet
ing of a centennial congress, which
might result in the abrogation of the
bounty system which is al present being
agitated By the English manufacturer.
What can be done In Germany can be
done TO as good if not better advantage
in California. The extra expense of labor
will be more than met by the heavier
crop which our lands will produce. Cali
fornia is naturally adapted for this bust
ness. and II is only a matter Of time until
the manufacture Of beet sugar viii be
one Of our leading industries.